DESIGN /
PRODUCT
July 14, 2015
PROTECA Introduces "360" Luggage Designed by Oki Sato for Opening Vertically or Horizontally
PROTECA | PROTeCA
“360”: Bringing New Possibilities to Travel
A Hard Case Designed by Oki Sato That Opens Vertically and Horizontally
Oki Sato, who heads the globally active design office “nendo,” has been appointed Creative Director for PROTECA, the core travel bag brand of ACE. In April, the flagship store, Hibiya, opened. The hard case “360,” designed by Sato, which can be opened from all four directions (360 degrees) – top, bottom, left, and right – is also receiving acclaim.
Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)
Luggage Packed with Groundbreaking Ideas
PROTECA, a travel bag brand named by combining “Protect,” “Technology,” and “ACE” (the philosophy of ACE), is highly regarded as reliable domestic luggage. Most of its hard suitcases are manufactured under strict quality control at the Akabira factory in Hokkaido.
The “360,” designed by Oki Sato, is an innovative 360-degree open luggage born from the idea of wanting to use a suitcase more freely, even in a cramped hotel room.
Limited Edition Patterns for the Free Walker
The “360” features a zipper closure that allows it to be opened from all four directions (360 degrees) – top, bottom, left, and right. By consolidating the storage space into one, it eliminates dead space and allows for efficient packing. Additionally, the upper interior is equipped with a three-dimensional pocket for storing slippers or gadgets, as well as a pile fabric flap pocket and mesh pockets. The effective use of space significantly improves ease of access and organization.
A notable new addition is the limited edition pattern (marble white) for the popular hard luggage “Free Walker,” which can be pulled diagonally by rolling on two wheels along the side of the body, in addition to vertical and horizontal pulling. This ensures not only ease of maneuverability but also a safe and comfortable journey.
The Hibiya Store: Showcasing the “New PROTECA”
The flagship store, Hibiya, designed by Oki Sato, incorporates “wooden boxes” and “pallets” into its interior design, drawing inspiration from the wooden crates and pallets used for transporting goods globally by plane and ship. These elements are stacked to create a three-dimensional space.
Black acrylic is used strategically on these wooden elements to create contrast and balance natural textures with a sense of luxury. The glossy black acrylic panels reflect the “P” logo, PROTECA’s symbol found on the casters, enhancing its prominence.
Proteca Hibiya Store
Opening Hours | 11:00 - 20:00
Regular Holidays | Irregular
1F, Hibiya Sankei Building, 1-9-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-6273-4911
http://www.proteca.jp/